Vicem has recently unveiled the stunning 95-foot custom yacht, named Empire, tailored to meet the unique preferences of an Australian client. This magnificent vessel, an esteemed addition to Vicem’s celebrated Cruiser line, spanning from 67ft to 107ft LOA, is currently en route to Australia and is scheduled to make its debut at the Sanctuary Cove Yacht Show in spring 2024.
Empire, a true masterpiece from the renowned Turkish shipyard, pays homage to the beloved Vicem 107 Cruiser design, cherished by the yacht’s owners. Deniz Sonmez, Vicem’s head of interior designers, notes, “The owners had a clear vision inspired by the classic Vicem 107 Cruiser, and our in-house design team crafted a layout precisely tailored to their wishes.”
The yacht boasts an array of outdoor spaces, offering diverse options for relaxation and entertainment. The foredeck features seating and a dining table, complemented by a sunlit lounging area. Connected through spacious side decks, this area seamlessly leads to an expansive cockpit with comfortable dining for 10, shaded from the sun, and equipped with essential amenities.
The standout feature of the design is the remarkably spacious flybridge, spanning two-thirds of the boat’s deck length. This elevated space includes a full wet bar, informal dining, seating for 10, and a heated Jacuzzi for a touch of luxury. Additionally, a flexible space at the aft end accommodates a tender up to 6m, facilitated by a crane with a 1,000kg lifting capacity.
Inside, Empire offers an open-plan living experience with seamless connectivity between the seating, dining, and galley areas. The wide, sliding doors lead to a harmonious and peaceful interior, where ample sofas and a dining table for eight create a welcoming atmosphere. A separate service galley below ensures uninterrupted social space when the chef is at work.
The lower deck features well-separated crew and guest areas, with the owner’s cabin running the full beam of the yacht and VIP double, double, and twin cabins providing ample accommodation. The owners chose from a selection of custom woods, opting for a calming and cosy environment with beautiful natural oak.
The raised wheelhouse provides excellent visibility and is outfitted for owner operation. Equipped with twin Stidd pilot seats, a two-person sofa, variable-speed bow- and stern-thrusters, and twin 1,600hp MTU 10V engines, Empire ensures optimum comfort and performance. Vicem’s expertise in cold-moulded wooden hulls, combined with the latest epoxy resins, showcases the craftsmanship and environmental friendliness of this superyacht.
Yusuf Altundasar, the hull designer, expresses excitement about introducing Australian boaters to this new design, stating, “Our new Cruiser 95 shows once again that cold moulding is perfectly suited to superyacht projects, combining the craftsmanship of a wooden hull with the performance benefits of the latest epoxy resins.” With a 32-year history, Vicem continues to impress with its innovative and environmentally friendly construction techniques, setting Empire on a course to join the two existing Vicem yachts already making waves Down Under.
